Had a day around the site, did some shopping at the nearby supermarket so we are well stocked up for a few days. Lynn and I went for a bike ride down to the beach and along the promenade, it’s a great place for walking or cycling as its wide and flat! It also has numerous bars dotted along, all with fantastic views of the ocean, most aimed at the surfer set, one even has a four poster bed! A lot have very comfortable sofas where you can relax with a drink and watch the waves crashing in. Today is very windy, still warm, but the Atlantic is rough which makes interesting surfing!
On return to the site we saw Ryan, Claire & Molly who had not long arrived, as had a convoy of French motorhomes who quickly set up an enclave and began doing loads of washing. We guess they had been free camping and had come in to catch up. It was nice to catch up with Ryan and Claire and to compare notes on places to go.
Thursday 31 March 2011
Monday 28th March 2011
Walked into the town centre and caught the bus into Lisbon, very reasonable at just under 7 euros return. This route took us across the Lisbon version of the Golden Gate bridge and past their statue of Christ in the same pose as the one is Brazil. Got off the bus north of the city centre which meant we were walking downhill, see we’re not as stupid as we sometimes seem! This area was very busy with traffic and looked very run down in parts. It’s such a shame a lot of the historic buildings that remain are in a terrible state, falling down and covered in graffiti. We did see their new arena which is round and Islamic looking. The posters were up for a forthcoming bull fight and then a “Queen” show, very diverse! Still I suppose both feature men prancing about in very tight trousers!
As we got further down we past some very expensive hotels and office blocks for major banks, but even these didn’t look particularly stunning, but there was definitely people with money judging by the cars. Once we reached the older and more touristy part it did improve but still gave the impression of a city with little money to spend on its buildings. We walked along a tree lined dual carriageway where there was a service road to the side with parking spots. Wherever there was an available spot a homeless druggy/alcoholic was standing there motioning to the oncoming cars that they could park there. If someone pulled in the guy helped them park, would you trust someone in their state to see you back? They then wanted paying for the service! My legal advisors (Lynn & Sarah) have forbidden me from making any further comment, still accidents do happen!
We had lunch inside as it was beginning to rain and was still raining when we came out. We continued walking towards the riverfront past some nice statues and lovely old buildings. We saw the “Elevador de Santa Justa”, an elevator dating from 1502, designed I believe by an apprentice of Gustav Eiffel, now not a lot of people know that! At the bottom of it were some expensive jewellers and I saw the most expensive watch I’ve ever seen, wait for it………….. 98,000 euros! Yep, just under a hundred grand for a watch! And as someone commented, if you asked a guy wearing one he’s still likely to stay “ about half past…”!
At the bottom you walk through an archway and out onto a grand square which fronts onto the river, this was the entry point to the city for the Kings and Queens and housed the Royal palace for 400 years. In 1908 the King and his son were assassinated here and in 1974 the armed forces began their “Carnation Revolution” in the square, which saw them overthrow the dictatorship.
We all agreed that due to the weather we probably hadn’t seen Lisbon at its best and everyone’s advice is to see it at night when the cafes and bars really come alive. Plus you can’t see the state of the buildings. Somewhere to return to.
As we got further down we past some very expensive hotels and office blocks for major banks, but even these didn’t look particularly stunning, but there was definitely people with money judging by the cars. Once we reached the older and more touristy part it did improve but still gave the impression of a city with little money to spend on its buildings. We walked along a tree lined dual carriageway where there was a service road to the side with parking spots. Wherever there was an available spot a homeless druggy/alcoholic was standing there motioning to the oncoming cars that they could park there. If someone pulled in the guy helped them park, would you trust someone in their state to see you back? They then wanted paying for the service! My legal advisors (Lynn & Sarah) have forbidden me from making any further comment, still accidents do happen!
We had lunch inside as it was beginning to rain and was still raining when we came out. We continued walking towards the riverfront past some nice statues and lovely old buildings. We saw the “Elevador de Santa Justa”, an elevator dating from 1502, designed I believe by an apprentice of Gustav Eiffel, now not a lot of people know that! At the bottom of it were some expensive jewellers and I saw the most expensive watch I’ve ever seen, wait for it………….. 98,000 euros! Yep, just under a hundred grand for a watch! And as someone commented, if you asked a guy wearing one he’s still likely to stay “ about half past…”!
We all agreed that due to the weather we probably hadn’t seen Lisbon at its best and everyone’s advice is to see it at night when the cafes and bars really come alive. Plus you can’t see the state of the buildings. Somewhere to return to.
Sunday 27th March 2011
The morning was sunny again but still looked like it may change so we had a day around the camp. Lynn did some washing and I cleaned the van, no sign of any damage thank goodness! Skyped the guys back home and phoned Lynn’s mum and dad.
A French motorhome parked in the spot we had been in on Friday night so through broken French and Oscar winning mime I explained what had happened. They were very grateful and moved.
A French motorhome parked in the spot we had been in on Friday night so through broken French and Oscar winning mime I explained what had happened. They were very grateful and moved.
Saturday 26th March 2011
Due to the problems of last night we moved Bella to a pitch further away from the road, it’s a bit of a pinch, we’ve had to go at a diagonal, but it’s safe from idiots! I informed the young women in reception of what had happened and she said it was very bad and did I know who they were! I gave up!
Caught the bus down to the ferry (more expensive than similar distance in Spain) and then the ferry across the river to Belem. The ferry was very reasonable, under 8 euros for three returns, but it lacked a little Health & Safety! No gangplank to board it, nor anyone to assist you, but it was a nice crossing and a good way to see Lisbon from the water.
Once on dry land we walked along the seafront which is very modern and is a popular walking, jogging and cycling spot. It’s lined with smart restaurants and small marinas containing mostly sailing boats. We saw a lot of teenagers launching their racing dinghy’s and heading off into the river. As we walked along it we came to the “Monument to the Discoveries” built in 1960 to mark the 500th anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator, who taught the sea captains and financed their voyages, discovering trade routes to Brazil and India. Inlaid in the pavement by the statue is a huge map of the world, which shows these routes and the date of their discovery.
Further along is the “Torre de Belem, a small fortress built in1521 in the middle of the Tagus river, now due to land reclamation its on the shore line! It’s very ornate and has a statue on the river side of “Our Lady of Safe homecoming” who is said to watch over the departing sailors.
Had lunch in a riverside restaurant with great views and very good pizzas! Then we walked back along the coast towards the city but a little inland. That way we past the “Mosteiro dos Jeronimos (Sounds like it should be in Texas!), which is a huge building containing a large monastery. It was built in the early 1500s and was a monument to the wealth of Portugal’s “Age of Discovery”, paid for from the tax on spices, gold and precious stones brought back from the new found lands. A little further along we past the Presidential Palace, which Sarah liked as it had ceremonial guards (Not as imposing as ours!) and was painted pink. It looked like a very nice lakeside mansion with ornate gardens to its front. When it was first built it would have had wonderful views over the river, now it looked over the busy roads and railway line which runs along the coast.
We caught the ferry back and decided to walk to the camp (only about a mile or so), after going for a few minutes and seeing the bus go past we noticed the grey clouds getting darker and then, yep it started raining! By the time we got back to the camp we were a little wet but had had a good day.
Caught the bus down to the ferry (more expensive than similar distance in Spain) and then the ferry across the river to Belem. The ferry was very reasonable, under 8 euros for three returns, but it lacked a little Health & Safety! No gangplank to board it, nor anyone to assist you, but it was a nice crossing and a good way to see Lisbon from the water.
Once on dry land we walked along the seafront which is very modern and is a popular walking, jogging and cycling spot. It’s lined with smart restaurants and small marinas containing mostly sailing boats. We saw a lot of teenagers launching their racing dinghy’s and heading off into the river. As we walked along it we came to the “Monument to the Discoveries” built in 1960 to mark the 500th anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator, who taught the sea captains and financed their voyages, discovering trade routes to Brazil and India. Inlaid in the pavement by the statue is a huge map of the world, which shows these routes and the date of their discovery.
Further along is the “Torre de Belem, a small fortress built in1521 in the middle of the Tagus river, now due to land reclamation its on the shore line! It’s very ornate and has a statue on the river side of “Our Lady of Safe homecoming” who is said to watch over the departing sailors.
Had lunch in a riverside restaurant with great views and very good pizzas! Then we walked back along the coast towards the city but a little inland. That way we past the “Mosteiro dos Jeronimos (Sounds like it should be in Texas!), which is a huge building containing a large monastery. It was built in the early 1500s and was a monument to the wealth of Portugal’s “Age of Discovery”, paid for from the tax on spices, gold and precious stones brought back from the new found lands. A little further along we past the Presidential Palace, which Sarah liked as it had ceremonial guards (Not as imposing as ours!) and was painted pink. It looked like a very nice lakeside mansion with ornate gardens to its front. When it was first built it would have had wonderful views over the river, now it looked over the busy roads and railway line which runs along the coast.
We caught the ferry back and decided to walk to the camp (only about a mile or so), after going for a few minutes and seeing the bus go past we noticed the grey clouds getting darker and then, yep it started raining! By the time we got back to the camp we were a little wet but had had a good day.
Wednesday 30 March 2011
Friday 25th March 2011
Spent the day exploring the area on the bikes, cycled along the seafront which has been recently rebuilt with a wide pedestrian and cycle lane stretching all the way along and has restaurant bars every few 100 yards. The town isn’t much to write home about but the seafront is very nice. We then cycled down to the small harbour where the ferry goes from. The road from the town to the harbour has a cycle lane all the way and some very nice houses along it. But the harbour is very run down and not the sort of place you want to spend any time in. It seems a strange area as you have really poor and run down parts and then in amongst it you have very nice large houses and people driving big Audis etc.
During the night we had our first problem of the trip with local youths. It was about 1130pm and we were in bed when we heard a group of lads walking past along the road behind us. We’d heard others but this lot stopped behind us and were very excited, drunk? The next thing we knew was bangs on the back and roof of the van, the b****s were throwing stones at us! By the time we got out of the van they had gone, not that I could have done anything as there is a high wire fence between us and the entrance is some way off. Bring back flogging I say!
During the night we had our first problem of the trip with local youths. It was about 1130pm and we were in bed when we heard a group of lads walking past along the road behind us. We’d heard others but this lot stopped behind us and were very excited, drunk? The next thing we knew was bangs on the back and roof of the van, the b****s were throwing stones at us! By the time we got out of the van they had gone, not that I could have done anything as there is a high wire fence between us and the entrance is some way off. Bring back flogging I say!
Friday 25 March 2011
Thursday 24th March 2011
Said our good byes to Ryan, Claire & Molly, an English couple and friendly spaniel who had parked behind us the past couple of nights. It’s the first dog we’ve seen Sarah happily stroke! Set of for Lisbon along a red road which had great scenery and wild life. Along one really straight stretch of road all the telegraph poles and most of the trees by the side of the road had Storks and their huge nests sitting on top of them, we stopped so Sarah could take a photograph of them. Then a little further we saw a 4’ snake slithering across the road, didn’t stop for that one!
Missed our junction onto the next red road due to poor signage and ended up on the toll road earlier than planned. We think the signage is deliberate, by the time you see the small Lisbon finger board your past it and off towards the toll road! Stopped at a service station for fuel and lunch. The fuel is really expensive, we filled the van from empty in France for 60 euros, today I put 58lts in and it cost us 90 euros! Everyone had said Portugal was cheap, not for the bloody fuel it’s not! After fuelling up we pulled into the lorry park to stop for lunch. After a few minutes we noticed (they weren’t exactly subtle!) four or five Japanese men walking round Bella having a good look, we felt a bit like goldfish! Sarah said if she saw one of them take a photo she was going to charge them! That’s my girl!
After a quick stop we continued along the toll road (they classed us as a lorry and charged us likewise), before making our way towards the coast south of Lisbon. Found the Orbitur site easily enough and booked in. Advised which pitches were more suited to Bella and with the help of the grounds men/women parked on a nice sunny pitch. It does back onto the road so we’ll see how noisy it is? After setting up Lynn and I went for a walk and found a local small supermarket where we bought a few supplies, including a bottle of red wine the owner indicated was good. Opened it on our return to the van and sat outside drinking it with some black olives. The wine is dry but very nice and drinkable, as you can tell by the fact we’d nearly finished it before the sun went behind the trees! So if the above doesn’t make sense don’t blame me blame the wine!
Missed our junction onto the next red road due to poor signage and ended up on the toll road earlier than planned. We think the signage is deliberate, by the time you see the small Lisbon finger board your past it and off towards the toll road! Stopped at a service station for fuel and lunch. The fuel is really expensive, we filled the van from empty in France for 60 euros, today I put 58lts in and it cost us 90 euros! Everyone had said Portugal was cheap, not for the bloody fuel it’s not! After fuelling up we pulled into the lorry park to stop for lunch. After a few minutes we noticed (they weren’t exactly subtle!) four or five Japanese men walking round Bella having a good look, we felt a bit like goldfish! Sarah said if she saw one of them take a photo she was going to charge them! That’s my girl!
After a quick stop we continued along the toll road (they classed us as a lorry and charged us likewise), before making our way towards the coast south of Lisbon. Found the Orbitur site easily enough and booked in. Advised which pitches were more suited to Bella and with the help of the grounds men/women parked on a nice sunny pitch. It does back onto the road so we’ll see how noisy it is? After setting up Lynn and I went for a walk and found a local small supermarket where we bought a few supplies, including a bottle of red wine the owner indicated was good. Opened it on our return to the van and sat outside drinking it with some black olives. The wine is dry but very nice and drinkable, as you can tell by the fact we’d nearly finished it before the sun went behind the trees! So if the above doesn’t make sense don’t blame me blame the wine!
Wednesday 23rd March 2011
Spent the morning around the van, sitting in the sun looking at the map books. Our neighbours have come through Germany and loved it, said it was the best equipped country for motorhomes and gave us some great locations to visit.
Around lunch time we set off on the bikes down to the harbour and the restaurant overlooking the harbour entrance. We managed to translate most of the menu as the waitress spoke no English. In Portugal they bring out a selection of cheese, pate and olives, they then charge you for what you eat, so if you try any of it you hope you like it! Luckily the cheese and pate were very nice so we ate it all. Sarah had ordered the pork, which came in a large bowl filled with the melt in your mouth pork and the best clams I’ve eaten. Mixed in were small chunks of sauté potato, a really good dish. Lynn and I had chosen one of the specials, rice with local prawns, which arrived in a large metal hotpot, loads of large juicy prawns in rice swimming in a tomato and herb sauce, there was loads of it! It was delicious and went well with the local bread and Rose wine. The sun was shining off the water and the views of the coast were stunning, a great way to spend the afternoon. The ride back to the camp was somewhat slower than the one there!
Around lunch time we set off on the bikes down to the harbour and the restaurant overlooking the harbour entrance. We managed to translate most of the menu as the waitress spoke no English. In Portugal they bring out a selection of cheese, pate and olives, they then charge you for what you eat, so if you try any of it you hope you like it! Luckily the cheese and pate were very nice so we ate it all. Sarah had ordered the pork, which came in a large bowl filled with the melt in your mouth pork and the best clams I’ve eaten. Mixed in were small chunks of sauté potato, a really good dish. Lynn and I had chosen one of the specials, rice with local prawns, which arrived in a large metal hotpot, loads of large juicy prawns in rice swimming in a tomato and herb sauce, there was loads of it! It was delicious and went well with the local bread and Rose wine. The sun was shining off the water and the views of the coast were stunning, a great way to spend the afternoon. The ride back to the camp was somewhat slower than the one there!
Tuesday 22nd March 2011
After a stormy night, or so Lynn informs us (we slept through it as usual!) the sun came out, so after a few jobs we set off on the bikes again, this time to find the harbour as recommended by our new Irish friends. The harbour was only a couple of miles away, if that, and mostly downhill! As the coast came into view we left the road and cycled along a track to the cliff edge where we had a great view of the coast and the small harbour. After a short stop for photos, we rode down to the harbour entrance and sat admiring the view. After a short while a fishing boat came in very slowly, the entrance is guarded by lots of rocks which at low tide could just be seen. We could see the days catch in the plastic trays on the boats deck so cycled down to the harbour and walked along to watch it being unloaded, something Lynn has wanted to do, I’m just relieved we didn’t have to get up at 5am to see it!
We then cycled up the really steep hill from the harbour and went off across the adjoining parkland to see where the tracks would lead us. Unfortunately they were very sandy in places, which made interesting riding or should I say walking as it was like trying to cycle through quicksand! Yet the locals drive across them in their small family cars! As this wasn’t taking us anywhere we returned to the harbour entrance and sat watching the boats come and go whilst having our lunch. I think the phrase “This is the life” may have been mentioned!
The cycle back was slightly harder as it was uphill and into the wind. It was also warm, when we got back to the van which is sheltered the temperature was 77! So we recuperated sitting in the sun for a while, before walking to the shop to get some fresh bread.
We then cycled up the really steep hill from the harbour and went off across the adjoining parkland to see where the tracks would lead us. Unfortunately they were very sandy in places, which made interesting riding or should I say walking as it was like trying to cycle through quicksand! Yet the locals drive across them in their small family cars! As this wasn’t taking us anywhere we returned to the harbour entrance and sat watching the boats come and go whilst having our lunch. I think the phrase “This is the life” may have been mentioned!
The cycle back was slightly harder as it was uphill and into the wind. It was also warm, when we got back to the van which is sheltered the temperature was 77! So we recuperated sitting in the sun for a while, before walking to the shop to get some fresh bread.
Monday 21st March 2011
Left Zmar with plans to drive towards Lisbon, stopping overnight at a campsite just under half way. But as we drove along the scenic road we came across a large bridge spanning the river Mira. Looking towards the river mouth, off to our left, we could see a very pretty town and some great looking beaches either side of the river, it looked very picturesque. As we came off the bridge and saw signs for a roundabout we noticed signs for a campsite and on a whim decided to have a look. We followed the signs towards the town then off on a detour around the outskirts, finally coming across the entrance. We parked Bella in the road and went in to have a look. The site was more suited to tents or small caravans but did have a few larger pitches, the receptionist also said we could park the van on the large car park area popular with the bigger vans, which having had a quick look is was we did. Nice and sunny, fairly level and no worries about getting stuck! We joined a friendly Irish couple who were just getting set up. They had been here before and gave us lots of tips on places to go etc. They also told us how good Lisbon is and how much there is to see in the surrounding area, lending us the Rough Guide to Portugal to make some notes of the best places and travel advice.
After Lunch we went out on the bikes to the old part of the town and the beaches, they really were lovely and the old town is full of lots of great views and narrow roads! We had a great couple of hours exploring before returning to the campsite. This evening we were having Tapas and as it was so nice (low 70s!) we decided to cook it outside. It also gave us a chance to try the new electric hob we’d bought. The food went down very well, cooking each dish one after the other, as did the sangria and red wine!
After Lunch we went out on the bikes to the old part of the town and the beaches, they really were lovely and the old town is full of lots of great views and narrow roads! We had a great couple of hours exploring before returning to the campsite. This evening we were having Tapas and as it was so nice (low 70s!) we decided to cook it outside. It also gave us a chance to try the new electric hob we’d bought. The food went down very well, cooking each dish one after the other, as did the sangria and red wine!
Friday 18th March 2011
On a lovely sunny morning we said our goodbyes and carefully made our way off the campsite, the roads around the site are unmade and have some pot hole and deep gullies from the rain. We stopped at the supermarket in town and stocked up for the weekend, although I missed Sarah disappearing now and then to buy some surprises for me. She’s becoming far too accomplished at this skulduggery for my liking!
The road up the coast was very scenic, slightly winding and uphill at times, but with great countryside to look at, as well as interesting towns. We didn’t have far to go and it only took us just over an hour to reach the next campsite, Zmar. The rest of the blog for the weekend is going to be written by Lynn and Sarah! Over to you!
The road up the coast was very scenic, slightly winding and uphill at times, but with great countryside to look at, as well as interesting towns. We didn’t have far to go and it only took us just over an hour to reach the next campsite, Zmar. The rest of the blog for the weekend is going to be written by Lynn and Sarah! Over to you!
Thursday 17th March 2011
A sunny but very windy day, managed breakfast outside sheltered by Bella! Lynn and Sarah went up to use the Wi-Fi, so many secrets going on at the moment! I stayed and had a nice chat with a British guy camping behind us.
After lunch we said our farewells to Paul & Tracy who were leaving, it seems strange thinking we probably won’t see them again this trip…….but there’s always next time! We then set off and walked into Sagres and up to the fort, which is huge and very impressive, set right out on a finger of land.
On returning to the van, we cleaned the bikes, a little muddy from yesterday! Then did a few jobs ready to leave tomorrow. The Dutch couple behind us we had seen at a previous site brought over the GPS details of a couple of free camping places they liked and whilst we were chatting the French guy from nearby joined in talking about the weather and Bella, which was interesting as he didn’t speak any English and my French is “Un Petit”! Is that right Lisa? Lynn said you’d know and soon put me right.
It’s great meeting all the different nationalities and nearly all are really nice and very friendly. I just wish our foreign languages were better!
After lunch we said our farewells to Paul & Tracy who were leaving, it seems strange thinking we probably won’t see them again this trip…….but there’s always next time! We then set off and walked into Sagres and up to the fort, which is huge and very impressive, set right out on a finger of land.
On returning to the van, we cleaned the bikes, a little muddy from yesterday! Then did a few jobs ready to leave tomorrow. The Dutch couple behind us we had seen at a previous site brought over the GPS details of a couple of free camping places they liked and whilst we were chatting the French guy from nearby joined in talking about the weather and Bella, which was interesting as he didn’t speak any English and my French is “Un Petit”! Is that right Lisa? Lynn said you’d know and soon put me right.
It’s great meeting all the different nationalities and nearly all are really nice and very friendly. I just wish our foreign languages were better!
Wednesday 16th March 2011
Had a cooked breakfast this morning which was just as well as Dave stopped by to check we were still up for a bike ride. The fact that Paul had gracefully declined should have been a clue! Dave is a serious off road cyclist who goes out most days for at least a couple of hours of hard riding! Still we thought it would be good to find some of the local tracks.
We set off, oh yes Lynn and Sarah came too and after leaving the camp made our way up a long hill with mostly half built houses on either side, apparently they have been like this for years. As usual, all the roads and lighting are there, but only a few houses were inhabited. We stopped halfway up for a breather and then set off again. At the top we made our way along a track through scrub land past a goat herder and dogs, didn’t even look at us until Lynn came past and obviously upset them! By now it was obvious Dave normally went a bit quicker! We thought we were heading for the lighthouse but when we reached the coast we were much further along the coast. Dave offered us the choice of going further up the coast or heading back via a cove? We decided to head back via the cove which was stunning. On the way back we rode along a rough track and through some large puddles, all I could hear from some distance behind was screams and laughing! The girls seemed to enjoy that part!
We eventually got back to the camp, fairly exhausted but feeling very pleased with ourselves for managing to do in two hours what would normally last us a day!
We set off, oh yes Lynn and Sarah came too and after leaving the camp made our way up a long hill with mostly half built houses on either side, apparently they have been like this for years. As usual, all the roads and lighting are there, but only a few houses were inhabited. We stopped halfway up for a breather and then set off again. At the top we made our way along a track through scrub land past a goat herder and dogs, didn’t even look at us until Lynn came past and obviously upset them! By now it was obvious Dave normally went a bit quicker! We thought we were heading for the lighthouse but when we reached the coast we were much further along the coast. Dave offered us the choice of going further up the coast or heading back via a cove? We decided to head back via the cove which was stunning. On the way back we rode along a rough track and through some large puddles, all I could hear from some distance behind was screams and laughing! The girls seemed to enjoy that part!
We eventually got back to the camp, fairly exhausted but feeling very pleased with ourselves for managing to do in two hours what would normally last us a day!
Thursday 17 March 2011
Tuesday 15th March 2011
Woke up to a lovely sunny morning, had breakfast outside and had a quick chat with another camper Dave who we had met at the Quarteira, he was off for a bike ride. Not long afterwards just as we were thinking of going out for a walk the sky turned black and it poured it down for about two hours we saw Dave return looking very wet! Once it had gone over the sun came out and it was a lovely day again, so we set off for a walk.
We made our way to the coast which was spectacular, very rugged, and found a place where we had lunch overlooking the Atlantic, it was great. Then we walked further along the coast and came to a small cove with a lovely beach. Unfortunately only accessible via a very steep set of steps, without any hand rails etc! We made our way down in amongst the young surfers who were coming up or going down carrying their boards. We had enough trouble on our own! But it was worth it the beach was secluded and had great sand. There were a number of surfers there and two or three hardy souls in swimming! The water was a bit too chilly for us!
Late afternoon Paul and Tracy came round and we caught up with their travels, they have been doing a lot of wild camping and have stayed in some fabulous places sometimes overlooking the beach. It was great to catch up!
We made our way to the coast which was spectacular, very rugged, and found a place where we had lunch overlooking the Atlantic, it was great. Then we walked further along the coast and came to a small cove with a lovely beach. Unfortunately only accessible via a very steep set of steps, without any hand rails etc! We made our way down in amongst the young surfers who were coming up or going down carrying their boards. We had enough trouble on our own! But it was worth it the beach was secluded and had great sand. There were a number of surfers there and two or three hardy souls in swimming! The water was a bit too chilly for us!
Late afternoon Paul and Tracy came round and we caught up with their travels, they have been doing a lot of wild camping and have stayed in some fabulous places sometimes overlooking the beach. It was great to catch up!
Sunday 13th & Monday 14th March 2011
Sunday 13th March 2011
Had planned to move on today and go to Sagres to meet up with Paul & Tracy, but after the previous night’s excess decided it was better to stay here and go tomorrow.
Monday 14th March 2011
Moved onto Sagres and the Orbitur site there. Fairly basic and sandy pitches, but we found one with hard standing which we just about fitted on! Met up with Paul & Tracy and apologised for not arriving yesterday! Just got setup when the rain started and didn’t stop!
Had planned to move on today and go to Sagres to meet up with Paul & Tracy, but after the previous night’s excess decided it was better to stay here and go tomorrow.
Monday 14th March 2011
Moved onto Sagres and the Orbitur site there. Fairly basic and sandy pitches, but we found one with hard standing which we just about fitted on! Met up with Paul & Tracy and apologised for not arriving yesterday! Just got setup when the rain started and didn’t stop!
Saturday 12th March 2011
Spent the day around the camp and in the evening went to the restaurant as there was entertainment and a Brazilian BBQ. We got there about 7.15pm and ordered the BBQ which also meant we could help ourselves to the buffet, oh yes more giant prawns! The pace was filling up and two large long tables had been set up, one for the club rally which was on site and the other for a large group of local women of all ages. We began with the buffet and the prawns before waiting for our BBQ. It was the same as the restaurant in Chelmsford, you help yourself to salad or veg and the waiter brings round the meat on skewers. On your table you have a wooden block painted red and green, if you want more meat you have the green upper most if you have had enough you turn it upside down so the red is showing. From our table we could see the guy marinating and cooking the meat, when it was cooked he brought it to your table and served you from the skewer. We quickly realised we were the only ones having the BBQ everyone else was just having the buffet. This meant the chef was cooking just for us! We must have eaten 5 or 6 different types of meat, all of which was delicious, but the beef was incredible. He also cooked a whole pineapple for us to go with the pork and he cooked some more to have as a desert. To go with the meal we had some carafes of local red wine, which was good, but as soon as it was empty the waiter brought another one! Needless to say the walk home (albeit short) was entertaining! Throughout the evening they had a guy playing a guitar and singing. He was quite good and got most people up dancing, including us, so it was a really good evening. Towards the end he did some samba and the group of local women got up and danced, I didn’t realise a bum could move that quickly!
Saturday 12 March 2011
Friday 11th March 2011
Caught the bus into Lagos, which is only three to four kilometres away. We got off by the harbour which is quite large and walked around past the marina towards the beach. The marina has mostly sailing yachts in it including a number of charter ones and some very fast looking sponsored catamarans. We walked out to the beach which looked great, 4 k of fine sand, surrounding a huge bay. The bay and harbour have made Lagos an important port and town since it began and it was the regional capital from the 15th to 17th century. Like most of Portugal it suffered serious damage in an earthquake in 1755 and so most of the buildings date from after this time.
Due to the weather, cold and windy, we took shelter in a lovely beach restaurant where we ordered hot drinks, this time I played safe with a coffee (and a brandy, its warming!), Sarah stuck with the hot chocolate. The drinks were fine, my brandy was very nice and very large! With the weather looking worse we decided to stay and have lunch there, the food looked great and reasonably priced. We weren’t disappointed, lunch was very good and by the time we had finished the sun had come out.
We spent the afternoon exploring the old part of the town, which is quite quaint with lots of small cobbled streets and lots of restaurants including a Romanian one called “Count Dracula”! Imagine ordering the blood sausage there!
The Portuguese established important trade routes with West Africa and Lagos was the site of the first slave market in Europe. On the 7th August 1544 several Portuguese ships docked and unloaded 230 African slaves (men, women & children), from then on they received a regular supply. The town has a small museum in the old slave house, where the slaves were sold. They described the events of that day and other facts about the slave trade, including the area just outside the town where over 150 skeletons have been found all of African origin; some of whom were buried (Free slaves possibly) the rest just discarded and left. A sobering thought, especially when you consider 500 years later we still have humans (this time just women) being sold as slaves across Europe.
To finish on a brighter note, we liked Lagos and its old town, as well as the fantastic beach and beachside bar/restaurants which in summer must be really great.
Due to the weather, cold and windy, we took shelter in a lovely beach restaurant where we ordered hot drinks, this time I played safe with a coffee (and a brandy, its warming!), Sarah stuck with the hot chocolate. The drinks were fine, my brandy was very nice and very large! With the weather looking worse we decided to stay and have lunch there, the food looked great and reasonably priced. We weren’t disappointed, lunch was very good and by the time we had finished the sun had come out.
We spent the afternoon exploring the old part of the town, which is quite quaint with lots of small cobbled streets and lots of restaurants including a Romanian one called “Count Dracula”! Imagine ordering the blood sausage there!
The Portuguese established important trade routes with West Africa and Lagos was the site of the first slave market in Europe. On the 7th August 1544 several Portuguese ships docked and unloaded 230 African slaves (men, women & children), from then on they received a regular supply. The town has a small museum in the old slave house, where the slaves were sold. They described the events of that day and other facts about the slave trade, including the area just outside the town where over 150 skeletons have been found all of African origin; some of whom were buried (Free slaves possibly) the rest just discarded and left. A sobering thought, especially when you consider 500 years later we still have humans (this time just women) being sold as slaves across Europe.
To finish on a brighter note, we liked Lagos and its old town, as well as the fantastic beach and beachside bar/restaurants which in summer must be really great.
Thursday 10th March 2011
After doing a few jobs around the van we walked into the nearby village of Praia Da Luz. Some nice houses with great views of the Atlantic, a nice sandy beach but a little bit too touristy for us. Had a walk along the seafront and had lunch on the beach sheltered from the wind by the sea wall. As we walked along we saw some young lads in swimming! They must be bloody mad! The water is freezing and today the air temp is not too great either. We wondered if it was a hangover cure? On the way back we stopped for a warming drink in a restaurant with great views of the ocean. Sarah and I ordered hot chocolate and Lynn a black coffee, the coffee was fine but the hot chocolate was lukewarm and had lumps of powder floating in it. As he served them the waiter said they needed stirring! I called him back and explained I wasn’t happy with it, at which point he apologised and said making hot chocolate was “Complicated”, I helpfully offered to have coffee if that was easier for him. He declined and then got someone else to make it. This time it was fine. The place had more staff standing around than customers and we decided it was in need of the Gordon Ramsey treatment.
In the evening we skyped (this time it worked) home to wish Emma happy birthday, we can’t wait to see her and Nick next month.
In the evening we skyped (this time it worked) home to wish Emma happy birthday, we can’t wait to see her and Nick next month.
Wednesday 9th March 2011
The last few days have been typical Bank Holiday weather, mostly rainy with the odd sunny patch. Very stormy at night with lots of thunder and lightning! So we’ve only managed to grab the odd quick walk along the promenade or around the camp before returning to Bella for shelter.
But just like at home, when everyone returns to work the sun comes out! So today we moved further along the coast to a campsite just outside Lagos. A nice easy journey only taking an hour and a half as it was mostly motorway. The campsite is very nice, virtually everything is open and reasonably priced so the site is fairly full, mostly of Brits. The site staff are really friendly and speak excellent English, which is handy as my Portuguese is non-existent. We are finding it much harder to grasp than French or Spanish. We’ve bumped into some of the other Brits and they’re an interesting bunch! There is another Burstner 747 just like ours here (only the 2nd we’ve seen so far), which arrived just after us, it was nice to see what they look like from the outside when they’re moving, if you see what I mean? However it did confuse a couple who were next to us at the last site and who had already moved here, as they popped round to say hello, only to find it was the wrong van!
We had a buffet lunch in the restaurant which was excellent, 6.90 e to eat as much as you like, and yes we did! Our favourite were the fresh prawns, huge and very tasty, we had two large platefuls before moving onto the fish course and then the meat. Some (Lynn & Sarah) even went back for some more prawns.
But just like at home, when everyone returns to work the sun comes out! So today we moved further along the coast to a campsite just outside Lagos. A nice easy journey only taking an hour and a half as it was mostly motorway. The campsite is very nice, virtually everything is open and reasonably priced so the site is fairly full, mostly of Brits. The site staff are really friendly and speak excellent English, which is handy as my Portuguese is non-existent. We are finding it much harder to grasp than French or Spanish. We’ve bumped into some of the other Brits and they’re an interesting bunch! There is another Burstner 747 just like ours here (only the 2nd we’ve seen so far), which arrived just after us, it was nice to see what they look like from the outside when they’re moving, if you see what I mean? However it did confuse a couple who were next to us at the last site and who had already moved here, as they popped round to say hello, only to find it was the wrong van!
We had a buffet lunch in the restaurant which was excellent, 6.90 e to eat as much as you like, and yes we did! Our favourite were the fresh prawns, huge and very tasty, we had two large platefuls before moving onto the fish course and then the meat. Some (Lynn & Sarah) even went back for some more prawns.
Sunday 6 March 2011
Saturday 5th March 2011
After a stormy night, the day had a few sunny spells but mostly wet, windy and cold! After a late lunch we took a chance and walked into town to see the carnival parade. It had around 15, all locally made with varying degrees of glamour. We had heard some were damaged in a fire recently, so some may have been built quickly. My favourite was the one with a large cat on it, maybe a lynx or something similar which was run by hunters, who had a beer tap and BBQ going, free beer and food! Some floats had scantily clad dancers on them and one doing the samba etc. One or two were more “Priscilla in the desert”!
A quick stop at the shop before returning to the van and the heater on.
A quick stop at the shop before returning to the van and the heater on.
Friday 4th March 2011
As the weather was still OK, rain is forecast soon, we decided to go for a walk along the beach towards Faro which would take us past the Vale do Lobo complex. Had a good walk along the beach, admiring the stunning houses set around the golf course. As we went further along some smaller properties were right on the cliff top and due to erosion will be down on the beach soon!
Sarah experimented with her new camera, we even had a fishing boat come very close to the shore which made for a good shot. Had lunch on the beach in front of another development before walking back. At one point we had to cross an inlet where the sea came in, going Lynn and I paddled across, Sarah sweet talked her way to a piggyback! On the way back, Lynn didn’t want to get her feet wet again so I offered her a piggy back too. As she was about to jump off the sandbank onto my back, the sand gave way and Lynn ended up in a heap! We were all laughing so much we missed the large wave coming in, Sarah ended up with wet feet and I got wet shorts, Lynn laughed even more! They do say no good turn goes unpunished!
Sarah experimented with her new camera, we even had a fishing boat come very close to the shore which made for a good shot. Had lunch on the beach in front of another development before walking back. At one point we had to cross an inlet where the sea came in, going Lynn and I paddled across, Sarah sweet talked her way to a piggyback! On the way back, Lynn didn’t want to get her feet wet again so I offered her a piggy back too. As she was about to jump off the sandbank onto my back, the sand gave way and Lynn ended up in a heap! We were all laughing so much we missed the large wave coming in, Sarah ended up with wet feet and I got wet shorts, Lynn laughed even more! They do say no good turn goes unpunished!
Thursday 3rd March 2011
Had a day on the bikes today, weather OK, mostly sunny but with some clouds and chilly in the breeze. Cycled through town and out past the markets where we had noticed what we thought were just a few motorhomes wild camping but as we got closer turned out to be around 50! Most were on the rough ground near the beach but some were on the other side of the road looking at rundown buildings. Still it’s free.
The marina had more activity around the motor yachts, but was generally quieter. Sarah spotted a very nice clothes shop where she bought two “very pretty and unusual” tops with some birthday money.
We cycled round the marina and out the other side, past Matthews bar and off along a cycle track towards Albufeira. It looks like the cycle track goes all along the coast and is over 100k in length. We settled for 9k where we stopped for a coffee at a bar before heading back, still 18k incl some hills is not bad for us!
The marina had more activity around the motor yachts, but was generally quieter. Sarah spotted a very nice clothes shop where she bought two “very pretty and unusual” tops with some birthday money.
We cycled round the marina and out the other side, past Matthews bar and off along a cycle track towards Albufeira. It looks like the cycle track goes all along the coast and is over 100k in length. We settled for 9k where we stopped for a coffee at a bar before heading back, still 18k incl some hills is not bad for us!
Wednesday 2nd March 2011
Had a day around the campsite, doing the odd job and sitting in the sun. I washed the van whilst Lynn cleaned the inside and did some washing/ironing. A nice lazy day to ease Sarah back in!
Tuesday 1st March 2011
Well we had a great week! Matthew arrived 30 mins early, so we had just said goodbye to Sarah and then walked down to arrivals and within a couple of minutes he was there. We were chatting so much on the way back to the van we missed our turn coming out of the airport! Still it’s only a few kilometres from the camp so it didn’t matter.
Matt was really lucky with the weather, it was the warmest week we’ve had this year, with some days being really hot! We ventured out in the car a couple of times, firstly inland where we drove along some scenic routes up in the hills and then later in the week to Vilamoura, which has a large marina and is described as one of the biggest leisure resorts in Europe.
The scenic routes were lovely, with lots of twisty roads and great scenery. A large area is national park which is covered with walking tracks which take you through orchards of cork trees. We stopped for lunch and ventured a short distance along one of these, where Matthew continued to experiment with his new camera, I did my best to find him interesting shots!
Vilamoura was only a short drive away and by that I mean a couple of kilometres! We had read it was east of Albufeira but didn’t realise how close it was until we started driving through Quarteira and saw signs for it. The marina and boats were impressive as were the hotels and restaurants surrounding it. We all agreed it would be nice to own an apartment there, with a boat to match of course. We had a drink overlooking the marina and then walked round to the beach which was one of the best we’ve been on. We had another drink in a beachside bar overlooking the ocean, the views were amazing. It was the place for the local 20 somethings to hang out, boys going surfing, girls sitting in bikinis on the sundeck getting a tan. Matthew was impressed with some of those views too! Had a late lunch on the beach and watched the dinghy races out to sea.
Other days were spent around the van, going for the occasional walk or cycle. We took Matt to show him the posh houses by the golf course, which we have now found out cost over a million euro just for the plot! The smallest apartments cost just under a million! And they’re sold as second homes!
It was great to see Matt and even better to take his money playing cards or table tennis!
Now Sarah is back having had a nice break at home, but happy to be back in the sun, even if it isn’t quite as hot as it has been.
Matt was really lucky with the weather, it was the warmest week we’ve had this year, with some days being really hot! We ventured out in the car a couple of times, firstly inland where we drove along some scenic routes up in the hills and then later in the week to Vilamoura, which has a large marina and is described as one of the biggest leisure resorts in Europe.
The scenic routes were lovely, with lots of twisty roads and great scenery. A large area is national park which is covered with walking tracks which take you through orchards of cork trees. We stopped for lunch and ventured a short distance along one of these, where Matthew continued to experiment with his new camera, I did my best to find him interesting shots!
Vilamoura was only a short drive away and by that I mean a couple of kilometres! We had read it was east of Albufeira but didn’t realise how close it was until we started driving through Quarteira and saw signs for it. The marina and boats were impressive as were the hotels and restaurants surrounding it. We all agreed it would be nice to own an apartment there, with a boat to match of course. We had a drink overlooking the marina and then walked round to the beach which was one of the best we’ve been on. We had another drink in a beachside bar overlooking the ocean, the views were amazing. It was the place for the local 20 somethings to hang out, boys going surfing, girls sitting in bikinis on the sundeck getting a tan. Matthew was impressed with some of those views too! Had a late lunch on the beach and watched the dinghy races out to sea.
Other days were spent around the van, going for the occasional walk or cycle. We took Matt to show him the posh houses by the golf course, which we have now found out cost over a million euro just for the plot! The smallest apartments cost just under a million! And they’re sold as second homes!
It was great to see Matt and even better to take his money playing cards or table tennis!
Now Sarah is back having had a nice break at home, but happy to be back in the sun, even if it isn’t quite as hot as it has been.
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